Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Mental illness. It's a funny thing. People think if they can look at you and you seem happy or look good, or are "functioning" that you are not really ill. Like you can tell by looking who is wearing sunblock and who isn't. We are all standing in the sunshine, but some of us can absorb it, and for some of us it is "blocked". The joy is blocked. Mental illness is like wearing joyblock all over your soul. And no one else can see it, but you know it's there. Don't ever tell someone who has mental illness that they "seem so happy" or that you think they have a great life. How can you decide that it is great, when they are the one who lives with little to no joy? It's a problem with the brain, not the life.
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9 comments:
what a great description!
Carol, I love you. thanks for not trying to "fix it".
You don't need any fixin. I like you just the way you are.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...your honesty and candor and ability to be present in the moment give others around the power and permission to do the same.
One more thing...another reason people don't think you are ill is b/c you bring out the joy in others. People think you've gotta be feeling like a million bucks if you make the rest of us pee our pants laughing. Next time...try not to be so funny. ;)
Amen Court. Liz, your lot in life is to help others through their misery. You just have a way of making people feel loved and of value. I love you girl.
I agree with Carol. That's probably one of the best descriptions I've ever heard. Some people don't have the ability to still look decent or smile or make others feel happy when they are suffering. I never had that ability although you do. I think that's why it makes it hard for people to sometimes detect. But your description explains it perfectly.
They should publish this. It is exactly exact. Accurate. Bullseye.
And the Emmy for hiding the sunblock the best - LIZ PABST! (as long as I am best supporting actress).
Yes, PERFECT description. And I personally think all the 'Grover Girls' get Emmys!
And amen to what everyone else said - they said it better than I could (Court).
Thanks so much for sharing the things that drive you up the wall. It is so helpful to get a little insight into how people feel and think when they are mentally ill. I am sure I have thought the "but your life is so great" thing, and hopefully I haven't been so insensitive to actually say it, but I probably have. Thanks for cluing me in.
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